None the less, this is, without doubt, one of the most important legal challenges ever heard in this country, with far-reaching constitutional and political consequences.

For that reason, all 11 judges are sitting together for the first time since the court was founded in 2009 together with around two dozen QCs, sundry barristers and solicitors. International interest is huge, with journalists from 80 countries accredited to cover the hearing, while outside the court in Westminster, pro-Brexit demonstrators gathered to make clear their concern that nothing should be allowed to thwart the outcome...